Bondage, the sex act of restraining one's partner and all the pleasurable activities that come with it, is part of the basic foundation of kink and BDSM (which stands for Bondage, Domination, Sadism, and Masochism). While bondage was once done under wraps and in S&M fetish clubs, thanks to the (admittedly flawed) Fifty Shades franchise and increased sex positivity, these days you can pick up BDSM gear at high-end, women-owned sex shops, and you can even wear bondage gear to work. Plus, there are lots of great online sex shops if you're too shy to purchase anything IRL. And if the whole black leather and latex aesthetic isn't for you, that doesn't mean you have to skip out on BDSM altogether — just like anything concerning sex, you can do it your way.

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Here, we're rounding up the best bondage toys, from chokers to restraints to whips. So whether you're into experimenting with pink tape or you're looking to add a new set of nipple clamps to your dungeon, there's something in here for you. Just make sure to discuss boundaries and safe words with your partners before engaging in any form of BDSM play, and continue communicating throughout the act to make sure you and your partner are on the same page.

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Photo courtesy of The Stockroom.

Handcuffs are a staple to any bondage collection. For those in need of a set, you can’t go wrong with these affordable and sturdy, yet smooth, cuffs. If your handcuff collection is already robust, these velcro-lined restraints work as well holding ankles in place as they do hands.

You don’t have to be into medical role-play to enjoy the sensations of a Wartenburg pinwheel (which is indeed named after an actual doctor, neurologist Robert Wartenberg, who invented the tool to test skin sensitivity). While the submissive partner is restrained, have the dominant partner roll this kinky sensation toy along their most sensitive areas, such as the nipples.

While specialty sex shops sell a plethora of elaborate blindfolds to enjoy, in particular for beginners, an affordable black silk blindfold works just as well. After the submissive partner is bound, gently place this over their eyes, so they don’t know what’s coming next. This blindfold does work wonderfully as a sleep mask, so feel free to continue to wear it during a peaceful slumber after you’ve come your face off from kinky bondage sex.

While your partner’s belt can work just as well, there’s something undeniably sexy about owning black leather bondage straps solely for the purpose of restraining your partner. Add these to your pleasure chest and break them out to bind their legs together, or tie them up against the bedpost, chair, or whatever your creative, kinky heart desires.

This Japanese-style bondage rope is perfect for Shibari, an ancient form of rope bondage. There’s plenty of classes and books available on the practice, but even beginners can enjoy tying their partner up with the rope through a simple overhand knot. Safety tip: Keep a pair of safety shears nearby should the bound partner utter the safe word and want to be untied quickly.

Don't forget: Bondage applies to the mouth, too. After tying up the submissive partner with rope, tape, or leather binds, place this comfortable (for a bondage toy!) ball gag in their mouth as they enjoy whatever consensual painful pleasure the dominant partner delivers.

Not only is bondage tape less expensive than most leather and rope bondage restraints, but with an entire roll of tape, you can afford to be creative. Use this bondage tape in lieu of handcuffs to restrain your partner up against a bed frame, or if you really want to go all out, hogtie their limbs together.

Anyone who saw Fifty Shades Darker likely remembers the nipple clamp scene, in which Christian tests out this pair on Anastasia's finger. If you’re new to nipple clamps, which can provide intense pinching sensations, absolutely start out with an adjustable pair until you learn your pain threshold.

In the world of BDSM and bondage, the submissive often wears a collar as a symbol of their role. For those of you looking to take things a step further, use it to clasp on a matching leash so the dominant partner can lead the sub around as they crawl on their knees. Considering how trendy chokers are at the moment, if you’re feeling bold, you can even wear this one outside the bedroom.